Cafe 2825, Atlantic City, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Café 2825: Atlantic City’s Intimate Italian Gem
Cafe 2825
2825 Atlantic Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Cafe 2825 : Restaurant Highlights
Cuisine: Traditional Italian with strong Sicilian roots and touches from Piedmont
Price: Expensive
Food quality: Excellent, fresh ingredients, many imported from Italy
Service: Friendly and attentive, with classic Brooklyn charm
Ambiance: New York City feel with the comfort of a grandmother’s dining room
Noise level: Moderate, peaks during prime time
Dress: Upscale casual
Overall rating: 3 stars, among the best Southern Italian options in South Jersey
Rating scale: Four-star system, from 0.5 star to 4 stars Best in Class
Best for: Guests who want authentic, house-made Italian dishes and do not mind paying more for quality
Not for: Budget diners looking for casual family-style pizza and pasta
Recommended dishes:
- Appetizer, stuffed artichoke with eggs and onions
- Sunday Gravy, sausage, meatball, and braciola over house-made pasta
- Branzino, filleted tableside with broccoli and roasted garlic
- Veal Milanese
- Dessert, Italian ricotta cheesecake
Bar: Cozy counter with a focused list of cocktails and mostly Italian wines
What to Expect
Owners Joe and Ginny Lautato, both from Bensonhurst,Broklyn, run the dining room with easy charm. The staff balances polish with a personal touch, and Joe often checks on tables himself. If the kitchen has the ingredients, they will try to prepare a favorite dish on request.
The room holds about 14 tables, so it feels intimate and personal. Terracotta walls, framed family photos, polished wood, white linens, and soft lighting set the tone. You might see Joe’s mother at the bar or one of the kids helping on the floor. It feels like a well-run family home, only with serious cooking.
The Food
The menu leans into Southern Italian red-sauce classics and adds Northern influences where it makes sense. Expect house-made pasta, careful seasoning, and clean flavors. Meat and seafood pairings are thoughtful rather than fussy. Portions are satisfying without being heavy, and dishes arrive hot and well-timed.
If you enjoy tableside touches, the branzino service is a standout. The Sunday Gravy is the comfort pick, rich and balanced, and the ricotta cheesecake closes the meal on a light, creamy note.
Who Will Love It
- Couples celebrating a birthday or anniversary
- Small groups, up to six, who want a relaxed, upscale night
- Families with older kids who appreciate classic Italian cooking
Parking: Avoid the lot next to the restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, towing is strict
Use the free self-park lot on Brighton Avenue, about half a block away
Valet is available at the rear entrance on Brighton
Reservations: Tables are limited, so reservations are essential year-round. In summer, book weeks in advance. Parties of seven or more are seated before 6:30 PM or after 9 PM.
Hours: Dinner service Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Updated: October 2025
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